Expert: Extent of future gas drilling in Poconos unknown

It's not clear how much natural gas extraction will take place in the Poconos, a Penn State Cooperative Extension agent said during a public forum Wednesday at Pleasant Valley High School.

DAVID PIERCE

It's not clear how much natural gas extraction will take place in the Poconos, a Penn State Cooperative Extension agent said during a public forum Wednesday at Pleasant Valley High School.

"To some degree, that remains to be seen," said David Messersmith, a natural gas development educator.

Messersmith said the vast majority of initial exploration interest in the state has taken place north and west of Monroe and Pike counties.

A major reason for this is the 2008 decision by the Delaware River Basin Commission to regulate Marcellus Shale natural gas development in the Delaware River Valley. The DRBC is a four-state agency that regulates water impacts along the Delaware River watershed.

The DRBC is expected to issue draft regulations early next year for natural gas development, followed by a public comment period. Final gas regulations here might not be finalized before 2012.

The Marcellus formation covers two-thirds of Pennsylvania, southern New York and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. There is believed to be enough natural gas in the region to meet the nation's need for the next 20 years.

Well permits issued in Pennsylvania have jumped from 99 in 2007 to 2,300 this year.

Messersmith calls the Cooperative Extension a non-biased source of information for landowners who are approached about leasing their properties for gas exploration.

The Wayne County resident calls Marcellus development a polarizing subject. Proponents point to job development and an opportunity to help make the U.S. energy independent. Opponents worry about road damage and groundwater pollution from chemicals used in the extraction process.

"In my area we've seen a lot of cases where families are divided," he said.